The Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) has released its Issues Paper for Electricity Pricing Inquiry today.

“The Electricity Pricing Inquiry is the QPC’s first undertaking since it was established by the Government,” QPC Principal Commissioner Kim Wood said.

Mr Wood said the Government had established the QPC to provide independent economic and policy advice. “The QPC has been asked to consider options to promote the long-term interest of
electricity customers, place downward pressure on electricity prices and ensure a dynamic pricing framework,” he said.

“The Government has asked the commission to investigate a range of matters including the costs and benefits of electricity price deregulation in south east Queensland, the level of competition in regional Queensland, concessions and the impact of emerging technologies, such as battery storage.

Mr Wood said the QPC had a clear mandate from the Government to consult widely with all stakeholders throughout Queenslanders.

“The issues paper is the first step in starting a transparent consultation process,” he said.

”We encourage all interested parties to raise the issues they would like the QPC to consider.

“We expect to release an interim report at the end of January 2016 and the issues raised from this consultation will form an important part of that report”.

The QPC is seeking the views of all interested stakeholders including consumers, electricity businesses, unions, business and industry bodies, farmers and irrigators, market and regulatory
bodies, government agencies and councils.

The QPC is forming a stakeholder reference group to provide advice to the inquiry and will be holding a series of roundtables on electricity pricing issues during October 2015, including making visits to Bundaberg, Townsville and Thursday Island.